The community of Djorogobité 2, represented by its oldest member, Mambo Yapo, has expressed concerns over the installation of a new village chief, Ally Atsè Achi Fabrice, on September 27, 2026. According to the community, the process was conducted without prior consultation with the six major families, elders, and the oldest member, who is considered the guardian of tradition and customs.
The community argues that the current chief, Nanan Minkan Assi Joseph, was invested in accordance with customs and has a valid prefectural decree. As such, they claim that a new installation cannot take place while a chief is already in office. The community is citing the law on the status of traditional kings and chiefs, as well as the decree on the organization of traditional chieftainship in Côte d'Ivoire.
The community's statement highlights that the circular on the organization and functioning of village chieftainship sets out three cumulative conditions for the recognition of a village chief. These conditions include belonging to the ruling family, designation in accordance with customs, and a vacancy due to the expiration of the current term. The community claims that none of these conditions have been met in the case of Ally Atsè Achi Fabrice.
Furthermore, the community points to the village's internal regulations, which were initiated under the leadership of Nanan Minkan Assi Joseph and adopted unanimously by the six major families. The regulations provide for an eight-year term and do not include transitional provisions or retroactivity clauses. As such, the community asserts that Nanan Minkan Assi Joseph's term runs from July 11, 2024, to July 11, 2032.
The community also emphasizes that the succession to the chieftainship of Djorogobité 2 follows a rotation among the six major families. According to this rotation, the next family to assume the chieftainship would be the N'Cho family. However, Ally Atsè Achi Fabrice is from the Yapi Kindia family, which the community claims cannot succeed Nanan Minkan Assi Joseph under the customary rotation.
The community has called on the residents of Djorogobité 2 to remain calm and to prioritize dialogue and respect for customs and laws. They propose the establishment of a representative management committee, an independent audit of land management, and the pursuit of judicial and administrative actions to protect the community's interests.
Ultimately, the community aims to preserve the unity and heritage of Djorogobité 2 and to ensure a peaceful transfer of power. Mambo Yapo has stressed the importance of adhering to the regulations and laws governing traditional chieftainship in Côte d'Ivoire.
Key points
- The community of Djorogobité 2 contests the installation of a new village chief due to irregularities in the process.
- The current chief, Nanan Minkan Assi Joseph, was invested in accordance with customs and has a valid prefectural decree.
- The community proposes the establishment of a representative management committee and an independent audit of land management.
